For your consideration

[rl69]

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Phil.%201.1)).
Despite their shortcomings, people of kindred spirit are precious gifts from the Lord.Timothy was Paul's trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Phil%202.20)Paul describes him as a man "of kindred spirit." That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.
Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Cor.%204.17)) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Rom.%2016.21); 1 Thess. 3:2 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Thess.%203.2)). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.
However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.
Paul wrote to strengthen Timothy's spiritual character and encourage him to persevere in the face of severe trials.
Despite those apparent weaknesses, Paul valued Timothy highly and entrusted enormous ministerial responsibilities to him. In addition, Timothy's friendship and ministry was a source of great joy and strength to Paul.
I pray that you have people of kindred spirit in your life— brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable to God's truth. Like Timothy, they may not be all you want them to be, but they are precious gifts from God. Esteem them highly and pray for them often. Do everything you can to reciprocate their ministry in your life.
If perhaps you lack such friends, seek the fellowship of a local church where Christ is exalted, His Word is taught, and holy living is encouraged. Build relationships with mature Christians who will stimulate you to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Heb.%2010.24)).
Suggestions for Prayer
Identify three people who are of kindred spirit with you. Pray for them and tell them how much you appreciate their examples and ministries.
For Further Study
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2%20Tim%201.1-14).


What were Paul's admonitions to Timothy?
How might they apply to you?

[rl69]

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Phil.%201.1)).
Despite their shortcomings, people of kindred spirit are precious gifts from the Lord.Timothy was Paul's trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Phil%202.20)Paul describes him as a man "of kindred spirit." That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.
Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Cor.%204.17)) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Rom.%2016.21); 1 Thess. 3:2 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Thess.%203.2)). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.
However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.
Paul wrote to strengthen Timothy's spiritual character and encourage him to persevere in the face of severe trials.
Despite those apparent weaknesses, Paul valued Timothy highly and entrusted enormous ministerial responsibilities to him. In addition, Timothy's friendship and ministry was a source of great joy and strength to Paul.
I pray that you have people of kindred spirit in your life— brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable to God's truth. Like Timothy, they may not be all you want them to be, but they are precious gifts from God. Esteem them highly and pray for them often. Do everything you can to reciprocate their ministry in your life.
If perhaps you lack such friends, seek the fellowship of a local church where Christ is exalted, His Word is taught, and holy living is encouraged. Build relationships with mature Christians who will stimulate you to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Heb.%2010.24)).
Suggestions for Prayer
Identify three people who are of kindred spirit with you. Pray for them and tell them how much you appreciate their examples and ministries.
For Further Study
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14 (http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2%20Tim%201.1-14).


What were Paul's admonitions to Timothy?
How might they apply to you?

[Blackwater]

I've long noted, and been puzzled by, the fact that Christ chose such "weak" people to begin and establish his church. Some time back, I read something that said that God chose weak men, so they'd have to learn to be strong. Peter, the "Rock" by Jesus's estimation, denied Him 3 times in a single night, when fear cropped up for his life. And yet, they went from their weaknesses to achieve SO VERY MUCH!

If there's ever been an object lesson in this, it's got to be that with God, even the weak can achieve indestructible and ever-lasting things, if only they subject themselves wholly to His will. Could there be a more comforting and humbling message in all the Bible than this? What greater demonstration of His Power could we have ever been given? It doesn't matter how weak we are. With God, if we'll just subject ourselves to Him and follow His instructions and advice, even the lowest among us can do mighty things. Even if it's only providing an example for others.

Look at my little Down's syndrome cousin. If there's a better or greater example of what God can do, I have yet to see it. How much more should all of us be capable of? So when we malinger, and say we don't know how, or wouldn't know where to begin, the weakness is in US, and NOT in God. He never fails us. We all too often fail Him. But we don't have to make a whole life of that. We can begin, and beginners should always set modest goals, and expand them as they learn and go along, and become edified, which always occurs more swiftly than we ever would anticipate.

And as Confucius said, even the longest journey always begins with the very first step. And with the world in the shape it's in now, time's a'wasting! Just ask a question about religion, and don't back up. Be nice and cordial, and keep a sense of humor, but don't EVER back up. And don't be pushy, either. Just talk. It gets further than any other technique. And forget quoting Bible verses. If you use them, just quote them but don't cite chapter and verse. All the unbeliever needs is just the idea contained in the words. And if all you give the is the idea, they don't have any red herrings thrown in with your witnessing. They can't disparage the chapter/verse stuff, and this focuses all attention on the SUBJECT, rather than on the trimmings or the source, etc. Traditional "witnessing" really puts people off who are unbelievers. Don't give them anything to latch onto but the simple ideas presented in the words of the Bible. It matters a lot when witnessing to real unbelievers. Nobody can fight an idea very effectively. They CAN disparage and stereotype us if we quote lots of chapters and verses. When you have them hooked, it's very good to include THEN, but in initial contacts and efforts, it's often a bigger detriment than it is an asset. Non-believers always focus on THEIR ideas and opinions. Deal with the ideas. Their ideas CANNOT wihtstand those of Christianity. All we have to do is just learn how to substantiate all we believe. Do that, and even if they don't come to light right then, it'll certainly put them on notice that there are clearly "holes" in their philosophies that need plugging, and when they find there IS no plug big enough to fill them ..... well, then you have someone humble enough to hear and see. And that is a point where you can really do some awfully good work.

All of us are weak. None of us is so weak God can't use us, though. Not even one of us.